World Championship Hot Tamale Contest

Greenville, MS (800) 467-3582

A native of Greenville, Frank Carlton saw an opportunity to support and celebrate the hot tamale tradition of this part of the Mississippi Delta. In 1990 he organized the first World Championship Hot Tamale Contest. It has been held each July in Greenville ever since. Each entrant’s hot tamales are judged on flavor, appearance, texture and overall impression. The winners receive trophies, cash prizes, and the right to brag. In the beginning, it was Carlton’s belief that he should round out the competition by bringing in some tamales of his own. So fifteen years ago, after a little trial and error, he came up with version that he now sells to hot tamale connoisseurs throughout the Delta. But, he says, “I don’t feel it’s fair for me to enter the contest because I’d blow them all away.”

Unfortunately, 2005 was the last year that the world Championship Hot Tamale Contest was held.

It is with great sadness that the SFA shares news that Frank Carlton passed away in March of 2009.

Date of interview:

July 24, 2005

Interviewer:

Amy C. Evans

Photographer:

Amy C. Evans

I'm hard-pressed to tell you what makes a good hot tamale. It's sort of like pornography: I know it when I see it. I mean, I can describe it okay. All right, now my point is a good hot tamale is hard to describe and--and there are varieties of hot tamales. ~ Frank Carlton